Chelsea might struggle to find a new club for Carney Chukwuemeka — a target for Barcelona — this summer due to his £115,000-a-week wages.
According to an exclusive report by The Sun, Carney Chukwuemeka is the subject of interest from Barcelona. Other high-profile clubs are also keen on signing the Chelsea prospect in the summer transfer window. However, while the Blues want around £40 million to part ways with the English midfielder, his £115,000-a-week wages are a stumbling block for his suitors.
Carney Chukwuemeka and his Chelsea chagrin
Carney Chukwuemeka was one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League when Chelsea beat stiff competition to secure his signature in August 2022. The Englishman would have hoped for a bright and long-term future at Stamford Bridge as one of the first signings of the Todd Boehly-led era at the West London club, especially considering he signed a contract with £115,000-a-week wages.
Instead, the 20-year-old has been one of several victims of the infamous and bizarre hoarding policy of the West London outfit under the current regime. While Chukwuemeka remains a highly promising midfielder, fitness issues and a cramped midfield unit have meant that he has managed only 616 minutes of game time across 27 appearances thus far for Chelsea.
However, while the English midfielder has struggled at Chelsea, his stock in the market remians high. Several well-known clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, have shown interest in securing Carney Chukwuemeka’s services, with Chelsea ready to cash in on him in the summer transfer window. The Blues want around £40 million to part ways with him this summer.
Barcelona interested in Chukwuemeka
Barcelona’s interest in Carney Chukwuemeka is understandable. The Catalan giants have been keen on signing a versatile midfielder in the summer transfer window. With recent reports linking Ilkay Gundogan with a summer departure, the Chelsea prospect is a viable target.
However, Carney Chukwuemeka’s £115,000-a-week wages might play spoilsport for Barcelona and his other prospective suitors. So, unless Chelsea can reduce the price tag from £40 million and subsidise the move, the 20-year-old Englishman might not secure a summer move.
Interestingly, the English midfield prospect is open to joining Barcelona as his frustrating stint with Chelsea winds down. However, it will be interesting to see if his £115,000-a-week wages remain a stumbling block for suitors.
